We are the state of Iowa's Parent Training and Information Center for families of children with disabilities.
We are a family-focused nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and their family members. Access for Special Kids (ASK) Resource Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the state of Iowa's Parent Training and Information Center for families of children and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs. ASK provides training, information, advocacy, and support at no cost for individuals with disabilities, their families, and the people who serve them. We are funded by various federal, state, and local grants, as well as corporate and private donations. To ensure the privacy of the families we serve, ASK does not provide one-on-one assistance or support directly through Facebook. If you are in need of assistance, please call us at (800) 450-8667 or submit a contact request on our website at http://askresource.org/contact. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm.
02/05/2026
Join UpLift and Disability Rights Iowa for Medicaid 101, a Lunch and Learn webinar focused on the basics of Iowa Medicaid. Expert-Certified Benefits Counselors and a Litigation Attorney will give an overview of Iowa’s Medicaid program and walk attendees through the various ways people qualify, the roles and responsibilities of the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), where Iowans can find assistance, and Medicaid appeal rights.
📚🌟 Check out the latest resources from the U.S. Dept. of Education on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)! 🌟📚
Get direct access to:
• The full IDEA regulations and legal guidelines.
• State-by-state data reporting on services and outcomes.
• Thoughtful blogs and commentary on special education topics.
• A wealth of additional resources for families, educators, and advocates.
Whether you’re a parent, educator or advocate — it’s an essential toolkit for understanding and championing inclusive education for all.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act website brings together department and grantee IDEA information and resources. The IDEA makes available a free appropriate public education to and ensures special education and related services to eligible children with...
02/04/2026
🌟 The Six Principles of IDEA 🌟
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is built on six core principles that guide how schools support learners with disabilities. These principles set clear expectations and ensure families and students receive the protections and services they deserve.
This brief overview is designed to help families who are new to the Special Education process understand the foundation of IDEA and what it means for their child’s educational journey.
Empowered families make empowered learners. 💛
From FAPE to parent participation—learn the six core principles of IDEA and how they guide special education decisions and rights.
02/03/2026
🎬 Event Spotlight 🎬
We spotted this incredible event in the newsletter from Autism Society of Iowa and wanted to share it with our community!
The Stimming Pool is an experimental film co-created by autistic artists that invites viewers into a sensory-rich, neurodivergent way of seeing the world. It’s not a traditional documentary—it’s an immersive experience shaped by autistic perception and storytelling.
Huge thanks to IC FilmScene for hosting accessible, inclusive programming like this and to the Autism Society of Iowa for partnering with them. Events like these matter. 💙
If you’re looking for a film that centers autistic voices by autistic creators, this one is worth checking out.
🌟 Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) in Iowa 🌟
In Iowa, special education evaluations are typically conducted by Area Education Agency (AEA) personnel in collaboration with your child’s school.
However, parents have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if they believe the information in the Educational Evaluation Report (EER) is incorrect or incomplete. This ensures families can access a second professional opinion to fully support their child’s needs. 💛
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Discover how an IEE can help you better understand your child’s needs and support their special education services.
02/02/2026
🌟 10 Basic Steps in Special Education 🌟
Navigating special education can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process starts here! This brief overview breaks down how children are identified as having a disability and in need of special education and related services into 10 basic steps.
It’s a great starting point for families and educators to feel informed and empowered throughout the journey. 💛
Need connection, encouragement, or a space to share with others who understand? Join our ASK Each Other — Virtual Support Group:
📅 Tuesday, February 2
⏰ Noon–1:00 PM (CT)
💻 Online — join from wherever you are!
This supportive, interactive group is open to families, caregivers, and allies for honest conversation, shared experiences, encouragement, and support through life’s challenges — big and small.
You don’t have to go it alone — let’s connect, listen, and support each other!
01/30/2026
📣 February Virtual Support Groups are Open for Registration
ASK’s support groups are online this February. Join us for connection, encouragement, and community:
✅ Feb 2 | ASK Each Other Virtual Support Group | 12–1 PM
✅ Feb 12 | Waukee Virtual Support Group | 6:30–7:30 PM
✅ Feb 17 | ASK Each Other Online Support Group | 6:30–7:30 PM
✅ Feb 18 | ASK Each Other Online Support Group | 12–1 PM
✅ Feb 23 | ASK Each Other Online Support Group | 6–7 PM
Parents and caregivers are invited to join this free, virtual Parent Cafe focused on building hope, resilience, and motivation in children and families.
Hope Starts at Home: Helping Our Children Believe in Tomorrow will explore:
• What hope really means and why it matters
• How hope helps children and adults stay strong
• How families can set goals, make plans, and stay motivated through challenges
🎁 Participants will also be entered into door prize drawings, including a chance to win prizes valued up to $200.
📅 February 25
🕛 12:00 – 1:30 PM
💻 Virtual | Free
For questions, call or text Carrie at 712-355-2615.
Hosted by Child and Family Resource Network
01/28/2026
On Monday, we sent out an invitation for our February 23, 2026 Online Support Group that included an incorrect registration link embedded in the image.
We apologize for the confusion. Please use the correct registration link below to sign up for this event.
Thank you for your understanding!
01/26/2026
⏰ Reminder: Join Us Tonight! ⏰
Don’t forget to join tonight’s ASK Each Other Online Support Group — a welcoming, judgment-free space to connect with other parents and caregivers of children with disabilities.
📅 Monday, January 26
🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
💻 Online
Whether you want to share, listen, ask questions, or just feel less alone, this group is here for you. 💙
Join ASK Family Support Specialists and other parents on January 26 from 6:00–7:00 p.m. for a facilitated online support group. Register today.
01/23/2026
💬 Virtual Support Group — Jan. 26 (6–7pm)
Looking for connection, encouragement, and real-talk support? Join us for our ASK Each Other — Online Support Group:
📅 Monday, January 26
⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM (CT)
💻 Online — from wherever you are!
This welcoming space brings together families, caregivers, and allies to share experiences, ask questions, and support one another through the ups and downs of caregiving, special education, disability support, and everyday life.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when ASK Resource Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Empowering Iowa families of individuals with disabilities
ASK Resource Center is a statewide organization that has served families of children and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs across Iowa for over 20 years.
We provide statewide training, information, advocacy and 1-on-1 support at no cost for individuals with disabilities, their families, and the people who serve them.
We are a truly family-driven, family-focused organization because every member of ASK’s staff team and Board of Directors is either an individual with a disability, or a parent or sibling of an individual with a disability.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded by various federal, state, and local grants, as well as corporate and private donations. Consider a donation to help us continue working toward our vision of ACCESS, EMPOWERMENT AND ACCEPTANCE FOR ALL.
ASK Resource Center is not a legal services agency and cannot provide legal advice or legal representation. Any information contained in this message is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitution for legal advice.
Please Note: We reserve the ability to hide, delete or not allow comments that contain:
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c. Offensive terms targeting individuals or groups
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f. Suggestions/Encouragement of illegal activity
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